Clear and Credible

This Practice Note explains the three basic models of governance for local authorities. It covers the distinction between decisions which are executive and non-executive or council decisions. It also covers the strict requirements about the convening of meetings and the notice that must be given, and discusses rules relating to the agenda, minutes and executive meetings.

This Practice Note explains the difference between a hackney carriage and private hire vehicles. It refers to the legislation that governs the licensing requirements of hackney cabs and private hire vehicles and it examines the principle offences created by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.

This Practice Note explains the conditions that must be satisfied under section 79 of the Housing Act 1985 (HA 1985) for a secure tenancy to exist, and subsequently discusses each of these conditions including whether accommodation qualifies as a dwelling, whether the dwelling is the tenant’s principal home, the landlord condition, the tenant condition, and the exceptions under HA 1985, Sch 1 where a tenancy or licence cannot be secure. It also covers how variation of a secure tenancy can be achieved and the additional rights of secure tenants.

This Practice Note covers several topics relating to potential offences committed under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (CJPOA 1994) when a taxi or private hire vehicle ‘touts’ or solicits for business. It covers terminology, offences under CJOPOA 1994, statutory defences, prosecution and sentencing, and reforms in the law.

This Practice Note provides a list of tenancies that are not secure, setting out the exceptions under the Housing Act 1985, Sch 1 where a tenancy or licence cannot be secure, including long leases, introductory tenancies, property related to employment and business tenancies.

This Practice Note explains what unlawful eviction is, how and when it may arise from a civil and criminal perspective, the civil remedies available and potential consequential causes of action, including a breach of a tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment.

This Practice Note considers what may constitute discrimination in a social housing context and when it could arise. It also considers the social housing provider’s obligations to ensure that those with protected characteristics have their needs met and are able to remove or minimise disadvantages for them in access housing support services.